Credits: PCB/X
Pakistan opener Saim Ayub came up with his maiden century and registered his name in the record books. Ayub hit the third-fastest One Day International for Pakistan in the second ODI against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, November 26, at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The 22-year-old reached the three-figure mark in just 53 deliveries, and with it, equalled Shahid Afridi’s record against Bangladesh in Dambulla in 2010.
Owing to Ayub’s 62-ball 113, Pakistan inched closer to an easy series-levelling 10-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the second ODI in Bulawayo. The Men in Green were given a target of 146 after Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first. The South Asian giants chased the target only in 18.2 overs to force a decider. The 1992 champions had recorded a 60-run defeat (DLS) in the first ODI of the series, and had high hopes in their do-or-die clash. However, owing to the flawless performance by the bowlers, the Men in Green bundled out the rivals at just 145.
Saim Ayub plays historic knock
With his stellar knock in the game against Zimbabwe, Saim Ayub recorded his name in history books as he became the first player to score an ODI century when the team total was less than 150. The previous record for the lowest team total with a player hitting a century belonged to Scotland, when they clashed against Namibia in a Cricket World Cup League 2 match in 2023. The game had George Munsey scoring an unbeaten 61-ball 103 in a 10-wicket win for the side.
Speaking of Pakistan, the record of the lowest team total with a century belonged to Ramiz Raja, who had come up with a knock of 119 in the 1992 World Cup against New Zealand while chasing a total of 167. Notably, Pakistan and Zimbabwe are set to clash against each other in the third and final ODI on Thursday, November 28.
